title: Late failure of root canal therapy: a diagnostic and treatment planning challenge. Case report.
abstract: This report describes a case in which failure of conventional root canal therapy presented 17 years following initial treatment. The apical pathology was curetted, the tooth root resected and a root-end filling placed. The possible reasons for failure of the initial orthograde root canal therapy are discussed with the conclusion that the cause may not have been addressed fully by surgical intervention. The case highlights the challenge facing clinicians when assessing failed root fillings, not only in determining the exact cause of failure but deciding the appropriate treatment for the individual tooth and patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Dummer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010484:Periapical Granuloma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D019233:Retreatment; D012390:Root Canal Therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D019228:Tooth Crown